BT 1008: Plant Resources Lecture 13

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Questions and Answers

What type of plants can be used as phytoindicators of environmental conditions?

Both vascular and lower plants including mosses (correct)

Lower plants and mosses

Only vascular plants

Only aquatic plants

What visual characteristics can indicate the presence of contaminants in plants?

Stem thickness and bark texture

Leaf colour and root structure (correct)

Flower color and size

Fruit production and seed size

Which of the following methods is not used for chemical analysis of plant parts?

Genetic analysis of plant DNA (correct)

Analysis of naturally growing material

Placement of selected species in a location

Harvesting and analysis after placement

Which of the following is an indicator of eutrophication in aquatic environments?

Increased algal mass Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is indicated by chlorosis in leaf tissue?

Ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

Which plant species is known for heavy metal accumulation?

Eichhornia crassipes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source in many developing countries?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of air pollutants on plants?

Needle tip browning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method to produce alcohol fuels?

Fermenting sugars and starches by yeast Signup and view all the answers

Which lichen is known to thrive in polluted environments?

Parmelia Signup and view all the answers

Which of these plant species is NOT mentioned as a source of biomass?

Eucalyptus spp. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes biodiesel?

It can reduce air pollutants compared to regular diesel. Signup and view all the answers

What role do plants play as bioindicators?

They measure environmental conditions and pollutants. Signup and view all the answers

What process generates biogas?

Breaking down organic material by bacteria and fungi Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a liquid biofuel?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of liquid biofuels?

They are considered carbon-neutral. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is an indicator species for global warming in the Antarctic region?

Colobanthus quitensis Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of Strobilanthes and Impatiens indicate in the soil?

Presence of humus Signup and view all the answers

What is one major advantage of using bioindicators?

They can be easily counted. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is genetically modified to detect landmines by changing its color?

Thale Cress Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is an indicator of sandy soil?

Ipomoea pes-caprae Signup and view all the answers

What defines an alternative energy source?

A form of energy that replaces traditional fossil-fuel sources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an alternative energy source?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common form of biomass?

Wood and agricultural waste Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a growing need for alternative energy sources?

Some energy sources are polluting the environment and non-renewable Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the conversion of biomass into energy?

Combustion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a plant-based biomass source?

Methane from landfills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?

Wind energy Signup and view all the answers

What is biomass primarily composed of?

Organic materials originating from plants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally, while non-renewable resources are finite and depleted over time.
Plants serve as both renewable resources and potential sources of traditional and industrial products.

Traditional Uses and Potentials of Plants

Key categories include:
- Food & Beverage plants: Vital for nutrition and culinary uses.
- Spices & Essential oils: Used for flavoring, preservation, and therapeutics.
- Medicines: Many medications are derived from plant compounds.
- Wood & Fiber products: Essential for construction and textiles.
- Natural products and Industrial processing: Includes materials like latex and narcotics.
- Alternative energy resources: Plants can provide sustainable energy options.
- Environmental sensors: Some plants are indicators of ecological health.

Alternative Energy Sources

Alternative energy refers to non-fossil fuel sources, providing renewable energy options.
Examples include biomass, solar power, wind energy, tidal energy, and geothermal energy.
Alternative sources are sought due to the high costs and environmental pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Biomass

Biomass consists of biological material from living or recently living organisms, primarily plant-derived.
It serves as a store of solar energy harnessed through photosynthesis.
Biomass energy can be converted into heat, electricity, or liquid fuels through processes like combustion or fermentation.

Energy Generation from Biomass

Direct Conversion:
- Combustion of solid biomass for heat.
Converted Biomass:
- Bacterial and fungal decay produce biogas (e.g., methane).
- Fermentation of sugars by yeast produces alcohol fuels (e.g., ethanol, methanol).

Plant Species Used for Biomass

Common species include Gliricidia sepium, Cassia spp., Cocos nucifera, Saccharum officinarum, and Pennisetum purpureum.

Biogas and Alcohol Fuels

Biogas: Produced by decomposing organic materials, primarily methane.
Alcohol Fuels: Originally derived from fermentation of sugars; now also produced via cellulosic methods.

Biodiesel

Created by reacting alcohol with vegetable oils or animal fats, mainly from soybean oil.
Non-toxic and biodegradable, it generates fewer air pollutants than standard diesel.

Plants as Environmental Sensors

Plants act as bioindicators, reflecting environmental conditions and pollutants.
Sensitive to their surroundings, they exhibit specific growth patterns based on environmental factors.

Phytoindicators

Play a crucial role in detecting contaminants within ecosystems.
Changes in plant distribution and behavior signal environmental health.

Indicating Contaminants

Observations of visual features (leaf color, growth patterns) and physiological measurements (photosynthesis rates) can indicate pollution levels.
Chemical analyses can assess the contaminant’s movement in the environment.

Specific Uses of Plants as Bioindicators

Water Quality: Algae indicate eutrophication from excess nutrients.
Heavy Metal Detection: Certain aquatic plants accumulate heavy metals.
Air Quality Indicators: Foliar injury relates to air pollution levels, revealing sensitivity to particular pollutants like ozone and sulfur dioxide.

Genetic Modification in Detection

Research into genetically modified plants, such as Thale Cress, aims to detect landmines through color change in response to nitrate levels.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioindicators

Advantages:
- Cost-effective and easy to monitor.
- Clearly illustrate biological impacts of pollutants.
- Enables early detection of environmental damage.
Disadvantages:
- Accuracy can be affected by plant variability and sensitivity.
- Responses can take time, making immediate assessment challenging.

Future Topics

Upcoming discussions will focus on sustainable utilization and conservation of plant resources.

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Description

Explore the diverse applications of plant resources in this lecture, focusing on renewable and non-renewable aspects. Delve into traditional uses of food, spices, medicines, and more, while considering sustainable utilization and conservation practices.